Sophie Wilksch

Resume

Sophie Wilksch – Tutor Profile

My journey has taken me from a degree in architecture, through to building construction – and into a desire to share these skills with others. I am now teaching carpentry and joinery skills at Shedding Community Workshop, where I have recently set up a Government-funded program to enable workshops for our local community, called UPSKILL.

I love building eco-tiny homes, sustainable natural dwellings and up-cycled furniture. Most of all I love to share these skills with others through teaching – this brings me, and others, I hope, joy. My passion began in the world of architecture. I studied and practised for five years, but during this time felt that something was missing. In a world of computers, I wanted to get in touch with the real, the tangible. I had the great opportunity to participant in and facilitate an on-site construction course as part of my degree, designing and building pre-fabricated homes for Aboriginal communities in South Australia’s APY Lands. This led to a passion for building. Later I worked for design-build firms and felt that I was narrowing the gap that I had noticed between theoretical architecture, and the practise of building. These hands-on skills, I believe, enhanced my design knowledge, as I was able to combine my theoretical and practical design skills.

Then came a new discovery! After some solo travelling I decided create my own business, ‘Upcycled by Sophie’, which stemmed from both an interest in and concern for our environment, and the waste that we produce on a regular basis. ‘Upcycling’ became a new passion, combining my existing skills and knowledge with a strong set of morals and a theme very close to my heart. I utilised an understanding of recycling practices and potential to re-create and re-invent (building) waste through my new furniture and fit-out business. Through this business, I refined my skills in carpentry. I also worked with local sustainable businesses, to gain an understanding of sustainable building practices, in particular working with ‘hempcrete’ and salvaged (or reclaimed) timbers.

I began teaching woodworking workshops for children at ‘Woodwork for Women’ in 2014. My passion for teaching children grew through these classes, and my passion for teaching adults grew through working at local sustainable festivals and builds, mentoring others – including Eclipse Festival, Woodford Folk Festival, The Planting Festival and RenewFest.

I launched Shedding Community Workshop as a not-for-profit organisation in 2018 – as a space for all ages and all genders. I enjoy working on building sites, traditionally a male environment, but now I am excited to see more chicks on tools! My aim is to see both women and men discovering and sharing skills and knowledge. Shedding is about doing shed-stuff regardless of age or gender. It is also about shedding our preconceived ideas as to who belongs in this space and what they can achieve. This is an inclusive space, for those who share a passion for carpentry, building and everything in between – facing challenges, and feeling empowered! The aim of Shedding is to support our local community through a range of sustainable educational workshops within this safe and supportive environment.